Abstract

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the robustness of the theory that claims restrictive effects of expansionary fiscal policy. It shows that such so-called “non-Keynesian effects” may arise from synchronous and opposite monetary policy interventions. The paper demonstrates this conclusion through a stylized model – supported by an empirical investigation on ECB and FED reaction functions – in which Central Banks consider deficit spending as an element that generates inflation expectations. Econometric analysis also shows that the ECB reacts asymmetrically to deficit spending variations while the FED has a linear reaction to this indicator.